French 1
This course is a beginning-level language course. The goal for this course is to give Upper School students an opportunity to begin a foundation in the French language with an intense focus on vocabulary, grammar and culture. The immersion course will emphasize learning the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will be expected to read beginning texts and will learn how to write short paragraphs. The course is not sectioned and upon successful completion, the student enters Level 2. A student may enter the Honors 2 section with an 87% average and permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
French 2
This course allows students to handle daily life situations with confidence while improving their command of the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Careful attention is paid to the accuracy of the four skills. Using an increased vocabulary, students respond to a variety of functions: formulating questions, describing, narrating and locution. The course combines audio-visual material as well as interactive exercises to provide an immersion into the French language and culture.
(1 credit; full year)
French 2H
This Honors course is an advanced version of the French 2 course and covers the material in greater depth and breadth; accordingly, it is designed for students who demonstrate strong interest and talent in the subject area. Students will be expected to express themselves with more spontaneity, fluency, and accuracy. Additional reading and writing will be accompanied by a swifter scope and sequence of material with respect to vocabulary, grammar, composition and cultural texts. An 87% average is required to enter this course as well as permission of the Department Head (1 credit; full year)
French 3
This course is designed to continue practicing the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The student is given regular opportunities for meaningful communication with much practice in sustaining conversation beyond simple statements or questions. The focus of the course is to recombine and expand elements previously learned in order to enable the students to express language more accurately. Formal grammatical structures will be practice, such as the subjunctive mood, and greater stress is placed on written and oral accuracy. Compositions are required on a regular basis. This course makes a detailed survey of French history, art and literature, from pre-history through the 19th Century. (1 credit; full year)
French 3H
This Honors course is an advanced version of the Level 3 course and covers the material in more depth; accordingly, it is designed for students who demonstrate strong interest and talent in the subject area. Additional reading and writing will be accompanied by a swifter scope and sequence of material. Students will be expected to express themselves with more spontaneity, fluency, and accuracy. The communicative approach will continue to provide the course impetus. More advanced literary works are read and the course makes a detailed summary of French history, art and literature, from pre-history through the 19th Century. Emphasis is placed upon the frequency of composition writing and the scope and sequence of grammar. An average of 87% in French 2H or 90% in French 2 is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
French 4
This course is designed to continue the practice of French, emphasizing oral communication. The students discover different aspects of contemporary French and Francophone culture through newspaper articles, literary extracts, movies, and podcasts. They are encouraged to discuss current events and to develop their creativity through projects around a theme using videos, posters, presentations, and so on. Grammar is reviewed in class and at home. Structures previously learned are consolidated. This course is not a pre-AP course. (1 credit; full year)
French 4H
This Honors course is designed for the student who is preparing for the Advanced Placement Language Examination during the following year. This extremely demanding program focuses on the development of polished written and oral expression, in addition to the exploration of numerous literary works. Students are expected to function with fluency and accuracy in a wider range of open-ended situations. Activities encourage debate and discussion among the students who also read literature of different genres from which they are expected to draw inferences and comprehend abstract ideas. Based on the material presented in class, compositions expressing personal feelings and supporting ideas are required. The elimination of errors is an ongoing process and special attention is given to avoiding Anglicism. An average of 87% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
French 5
This course focuses on Francophone countries, particularly the French speaking countries of Africa. Through literature, drama, song and film, students study and discuss the main themes throughout African history to the current day. Students are also required to present a review of grammatical structures themselves. They will also select their own current event topic for deeper study and presentation to the group, in the second semester. This course requires a high level of fluency and the ability to work autonomously. (1 credit; full year)
AP French
This rigorous course covers the equivalent of a college course in writing and conversation. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition. Such a course emphasizes the use of French for active communication. The student will be able to comprehend formal and informal spoken French, acquire vocabulary and have a grasp of structure to allow accurate reading of newspapers, magazine articles, and other modern literary texts. The student will be able to compose expository passages and to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is an integral part of this language course. Texts include Preparing for the French Language Examination, Une Fois Pour Toutes, selected pieces of literature, and selected articles from the French media. An average of at least 85% in French 4H is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Latin 1
Students are introduced to language and culture through the Cambridge Latin Course. Unit 1 of this reading-based series is structured around the experience of a family living in ancient Pompeii about A.D. 78, just prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius; the backdrop of the Unit 2 is life in Roman Britain and Egypt. English readings supplement those in Latin, with attention being given to the dynamic cultural contexts of the narrative and the contributions and beliefs of these Roman provinces and peoples. Students develop language skills through mastery of grammar fundamentals, vocabulary accumulation, and English derivatives. A range of media beyond the text and workbooks is used to achieve these goals. (1 credit; full year)
Latin 2
This course proceeds with a review of the fundamentals and then completes the introduction to basic vocabulary and syntax. The fictional and factual narratives of Cambridge Latin Course’s Unit 3 begin in Roman Britain and end in Rome. Emphasis on these three objectives continues: reading Latin as Latin with increasing fluency; rendering English translations that reflect context, speaker, and audience; and communicating this understanding through creative and critical outlets. (1 credit; full year)
Latin 3
This course provides an overview of Latin literature and includes selections from prose and poetry; Cicero, Livy, Plautus, Catullus, and Ovid may be among the authors studied. Understanding literature in its social and historical context remains a core objective of this course, and a systematic review of advanced grammar supports the reading. Critical thinking and expression of ideas in a variety of media continue to be intertwined with all activities. (1 credit; full year)
Latin 4/AP Latin
Study at this level focuses on Vergil’s Aeneid in both Latin and English. AP designation carries with it the commitment to take the AP exam and requires much more intensive study of the author in the original language. This course sharpens a student’s ability to translate at sight and to analyze and interpret literature with close attention to word choice, word order, theme, grammar, sound and/or meter. Reading responses, short analytical essays, and comprehension quizzes are featured tools of the course. Permission of the Department Head is required for this class. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 1
This is a beginning-level language course. The goal for this course is to give Upper School students an opportunity to begin a foundation for the Spanish language with an intense focus on vocabulary and grammar. The immersion course will emphasize learning the four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are expected to read beginning pieces of literature and to learn how to write essays. The course is not sectioned and upon successful completion the student may enter into the Honors or regular Level 2 sections. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 2
This course allows students to handle daily life situations with confidence while improving their command of the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Careful attention is paid to the accuracy of the four skills. Using an increased vocabulary, the students respond to a variety of functions: formulating questions, describing, narrating and locution. Buen Viaje combines audio and visual material for a communicative approach. A second level grammar book as well as literary selections are required. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 2H
This Honors course is an advanced version of the Spanish 2 course and covers the material in greater depth and breadth; accordingly, it is designed for students who demonstrate strong interest and talent in the subject area. Students will be expected to express themselves with more spontaneity, fluency, and accuracy. Additional reading and writing will be accompanied by a swifter scope and sequence of material with respect to grammar, composition, and literature. An average of 87% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 3
This course is designed to continue practicing the four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The student is given regular opportunities for meaningful communication with much practice in sustaining talk beyond simple statements or questions. The focus of the course is to recombine and expand elements previously learned in order to enable the students to express language more accurately. Formal grammatical structures will be learned, such as the subjunctive mood, and stress is placed on written and oral accuracy. Compositions are required on a regular basis. This course begins the formal introduction to literature and reading selections. A communicative approach will continue to provide an immersion experience in the program. The standard literary works will be covered. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 3H
This Honors course is an advanced version of the Spanish 3 course and covers the material in more depth; accordingly, it is designed for students who demonstrate strong interest and talent in the subject area. Additional reading and writing will be accompanied by a swifter scope and sequence of material. Students are expected to express themselves with more spontaneity, fluency, and accuracy. More advanced literary works will be introduced. An additional emphasis is the frequency of composition writing and the scope and sequence of grammar. An average of 87% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 4
This course is designed to continue the practice of Spanish emphasizing oral communication and listening skills through vocabulary and listening exercises, readings and discussions around various themes. The students also discover different aspects of contemporary Spanish and Latin American culture through thematic units based on literature extracts, plays, movies, commercials and songs. They will be encouraged to discuss ideas and to develop their creativity through projects using videos, posters, oral presentations, etc. Grammar is reviewed in class and at home, and homework is assigned and corrected in class. Structures previously learned are consolidated. This course is not a pre-AP course. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 4H
This honors course is designed for the student who is preparing for the Advanced Placement Language Examination during the following year. This extremely demanding program focuses on the development of polished written and oral expression, in addition to the exploration of numerous literary works. Students are expected to function with fluency and accuracy in a wider range of open-ended situations. Activities encourage oral debates and discussion among the students. They read literature of different genres and are expected to draw inferences and comprehend abstract ideas. Also, they write compositions based on the material presented in class, expressing personal feelings and supporting ideas. The elimination of errors is an on-going process and special attention is given to avoiding Anglicism. An average of 87% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Spanish 5
This course is an extension of Spanish 4 and is designed for students who wish to strengthen their overall language skills and use their Spanish creatively. The students work to combine the grammar, culture and language skills they have gained in previous levels in order to perfect reading, writing and oral proficiency. Grammar is reviewed in context according to student needs. Through thematic units, students analyze a variety of films and readings. In addition, students complete several group projects using technology. (1 credit; full year)
AP Spanish
This rigorous course covers the equivalent of an advanced college course in writing and conversation. It encompasses aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar and composition. Such a course emphasizes the use of Spanish for active communication. The student will be able to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish, acquire vocabulary and have a grasp of structure to allow accurate reading of newspapers, magazine articles, and other modern literature texts. Also, the student will be able to compose expository passages and to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Extensive training in the organization and writing of compositions is an integral part of this language course. Texts include Preparing for the Spanish Language Examination, Triángulo, Puerta del Sol, selected pieces of literature and selected articles from the Spanish Press and News. An average of at least 85% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Mandarin 1
This is a course for beginners offered to students in grades 9-12. Mandarin 1 emphasizes the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are introduced to the phonetic system of Pinyin, and they learn basic structures and vocabulary to enable communication with Mandarin speaking peers. Spoken Mandarin has four tones, which along with Chinese characters, will be practiced and learned. Study of culture is integral to the course and Chinese songs, calligraphy and geography are introduced. In offering Mandarin, our aim is to expose students to a very different culture, to promote appreciation of difference, to provide opportunities for intellectual rigor as well as for personal, cultural and linguistic enrichment. (1 credit; full year)
Mandarin 2
This course promotes further development of the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students consolidate knowledge of the phonetic system of Pinyin, and learn new structures and vocabulary to promote communication with Mandarin speaking peers. The four tones, along with Chinese characters, will be practiced and learned, regularly. Study of culture continues to be integral to the course. (1 credit; full year)
Mandarin 3
This course allows students to learn new and more complex structures and vocabulary to promote communication with Mandarin speaking peers, while emphasizing all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Characters are used more extensively, reading materials are more complex and essays are written regularly. Study of culture continues to be integral to the course.
(1 credit; full year)
Mandarin 4
This course allows students to develop a much deeper knowledge of language and to communicate with greater confidence. Students should be able to use a dictionary and other resources to extend their knowledge to become independent learners of Chinese, although they might still need the support of Pinyin. Extensive reading materials will be used and essays are written regularly. Study of culture continues to be integral to the course. (1 credit; full year)
AP Mandarin
This course is intended for qualified students who are interested in completing studies comparable in content and difficulty to a full-year course at the second-year college level. The five goal areas of communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities are as outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning for the 21st Century. The course is taught entirely in Chinese. It includes aural/oral skills, reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. Course content reflects intellectual interests shared by the students and the teacher (cultural celebrations, beliefs and attitudes, interests and career, teen life/self and global community, famous people, social issues and current events, art and music appreciation, literature and poetry, geography/climate/ political divisions, etc.). Students are expected to read and write on a weekly basis. Oral skills are also emphasized through class discussion, which provides opportunities for students to articulate and debate their understanding of the materials in Chinese. Students following this course take the AP exam at the end of the year. An average of at least 85% is required for entry to this course as well as permission of the Department Head. (1 credit; full year)
Guidelines to choosing a language:
GFA Students who have not yet completed Level Two or Three of the language they are currently studying must continue with that language. Ideally, they will continue with this language to Levels Three, Four, Five or Advanced Placement. While safe-guarding their ability to meet graduation requirements, students now also have the opportunity to experiment with a completely new language.
Students entering 9th grade should continue study in French, Latin, Mandarin or Spanish at Level Two and may, if interested, take Mandarin, Latin, French or Spanish, Level One, as a second language. Other than in exceptional circumstances, this will mean taking the second language as a sixth subject.
GFA students entering 10th grade should continue study in Mandarin, Latin, French or Spanish, at Level Two or Three and, if interested, take Mandarin, Latin, French or Spanish Level One as a second language. Other than in exceptional circumstances, this will mean taking the second language as a sixth subject. Some students already study a second language as a sixth subject and will hopefully continue with both.
There is the possibility after 9th grade to drop the first language and take two years of another language, thus fulfilling the two levels of two languages requirement, but keep in mind that GFA and colleges prefer linguists who have studied a language in depth for at least three years in high school.
GFA students entering 11th grade who have completed their language requirement to Level Three in Latin, French or Spanish or Mandarin are advised to continue with this language to Level Four in Spanish, Mandarin or French, or to the AP level in Latin. Keep in mind that colleges prefer students who have studied a language through their senior year. Students may also take up study in a second language. This will mean taking the second language as a sixth subject, completing Level Two in 12th grade.
GFA students entering 12th grade who have completed Level Four in French, Mandarin or Spanish, may continue with this language to Level Five. Students coming from an honors class may take an Advanced Placement course with the recommendation of their teacher and the Head of Department. They may also take up study at Level One of a new language. This will probably mean taking the new language as a sixth subject. Students who have completed their language requirement may decide not to continue with French or Spanish and may embark on a one-year course of Mandarin, Latin, French or Spanish. Students who have completed AP Latin may also embark on a Level One course of study in a new language.
Independent Studies in languages are possible. Talk to the Head of Department.
All new students will be counseled individually. Students entering GFA wishing to pursue a language at higher than Level One will be required to sit a placement test.
Acceptance into any language course is at the discretion of each student’s language teacher, the Head of the Foreign Languages Department and the Academic Coordinator.